The Rich Cultivator - Chapter 308. How are you.... alive?

Ren Takahashi, a shy, hoodie-wearing tech genius, hides behind the online alias GhostHood — a quiet legend in underground hackathons. Despite appearing average in school, he dreams of becoming a real-life Iron Man — not the hero, but the builder of world-changing tech.Enter Aoi Hoshizaki, a bold, gal-style girl with a love for code, a messy room, and a mysterious spark. When she moves in next door and discovers Ren's secret, their world begins to change — from quiet club meetings to national hackathons, late-night debugging sessions to secret rooftop conversations.What starts as teamwork grows into something deeper, more complicated, and far more electric than either expected. Together, they aim for Japan’s most elite tech university — and face rivalries, rumors, and the whisper of love in every line of code.

This is a story about a young man who sought to fight against his destiny. With the help from billions of Dragon Energies trapped on the Rising Dragon Pillar in his body, he emerged from the dark and quenched himself with the blood of ancient dragons. He fought the heaven with the Buddhist Art for the people he loved and built the Eternity Kingdom with his own hands. This is a story about the rise of the Martial Emperor who will rule both earth and heaven.

- Description from Novelupdates

I Have Returned, but I Cannot Lay Down My Gun is a Korean web novel that immerses readers in a complex world where the protagonist, after returning from another realm, faces challenges that prevent them from abandoning their role as a warrior. The story intricately weaves elements of fantasy and sci-fi with a strong psychological undercurrent, exploring themes of identity and duty. In this gripping narrative, the protagonist is forced to confront the harsh realities of war and survival in a world that seems familiar yet is fraught with new dangers. Despite having the chance to return to a peaceful life, the protagonist finds themselves unable to lay down their weapon, suggesting a deep internal conflict and a sense of responsibility towards the battles they must still face​​​​. Why Read It: **1. A Unique Blend of Genres: The novel skillfully combines elements of action, adventure, fantasy, and mecha, offering a refreshing take on the traditional isekai (another world) genre. The mecha and sci-fi components add a layer of technological intrigue, making it appealing to fans of futuristic storytelling​​. **2. Psychological Depth: At its core, the story delves into the psychological struggles of its protagonist. The exploration of identity, post-war trauma, and the moral dilemmas of warfare provides depth and complexity, making it more than just a typical action narrative. This focus on character development and internal conflict resonates with readers who appreciate stories with emotional and psychological substance​​. **3. Rich World-Building: The novel is known for its expansive world-building, which blends modern-day elements with fantastical and sci-fi settings. The detailed environment and intricate plotlines create a captivating backdrop for the protagonist’s journey, engaging readers with its vivid and immersive universe​​​​. **4. Engaging Plot: With over 651 chapters and counting, the novel offers an extensive and engaging storyline that keeps readers hooked. The narrative is filled with unexpected twists, strategic battles, and complex character interactions, ensuring that there is never a dull moment​​. Reception and Popularity: I Have Returned, but I Cannot Lay Down My Gun has gained a substantial following among fans of Korean web novels. Its blend of action, fantasy, and psychological themes appeals to a wide audience, from those who enjoy fast-paced adventures to those who prefer more introspective tales. Although still ongoing, the novel has already completed its first part and several side stories, providing a satisfying yet evolving reading experience​​. Conclusion: This novel is a must-read for fans of isekai stories who are looking for something with more depth and complexity. Its exploration of post-war realities and the psychological impact of conflict offers a thought-provoking take on the genre. Whether you're drawn to epic battles, intricate plots, or character-driven narratives, I Have Returned, but I Cannot Lay Down My Gun promises an unforgettable literary journey.

Ye Zhenzhen, the omnipotent queen of the film industry, transmigrated as the despised cannon-fodder villainess and wicked stepmother in a novel. Her husband was wealthy but had a superficial relationship with her, and her stepson was adorable but indifferent towards her.According to the book's original plot, this cannon-fodder villainess was about to face a tragic ending...Ye Zhenzhen thought, 'Since I've transmigrated into the book, why should I fear these 2D characters?'In the face of her cold and distant plastic husband's words, she retorted, “How can a grown man with a body temperature of thirty-seven degrees speak such icy and heartless words to his wife?”Then, she was faced with the irrational demands of her stepson's classmate's mother, “Ye Zhenzhen, you owe me an apology.”She scoffed disdainfully, “Apologize to you? Will you kneel and listen to me if I do?”With her outstanding professional skills, she turned her life around by hosting a parent-child variety show, becoming an overnight sensation, and receiving countless acting offers!The stepson, who used to address her distantly and never as his mother, suddenly said, “My mom, Ye Zhenzhen, is the kindest and most beautiful woman in the world!”Haters: “So what if she's pretty? She married an old man for money!”One day, her plastic husband appeared at a charity gala and introduced himself, “Hello, everyone. I am Ye Zhenzhen's husband, the rumored old man.”The audience below couldn't believe their eyes and ears! The handsome and wealthy CEO of Huan Ya Group was Ye Zhenzhen's husband?!Haters: “Being slapped back in the face like this hurt like hell!!”